The New York Mets made a notable move on Tuesday, acquiring outfielder José Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for relief pitching prospect Eric Orze. While it wasn’t the blockbuster addition of someone like Juan Soto, Siri’s arrival bolsters the Mets’ outfield defense significantly.
Siri, 28, is known for his elite glove and exceptional range in center field. He posted strong defensive metrics with the Rays, including an impressive 14 Outs Above Average (OAA) during the 2024 season. Offensively, he brings a mix of power and speed, hitting 25 home runs last season while swiping 17 bases, although his high strikeout rate remains a concern.
In return, the Rays receive Eric Orze, a 26-year-old right-hander who has shown promise in the Mets’ farm system. Known for his slider-heavy repertoire, Orze logged a 3.25 ERA with 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings in Triple-A last season, showcasing potential as a high-leverage bullpen arm.
This trade suggests the Mets are focusing on upgrading their defense while continuing to reshape their roster for future contention, with more moves potentially on the horizon. Meanwhile, the Rays add a controllable arm to their bullpen depth as they prepare for 2025.
Mets land Jose Siri from the Rays
José Siri’s acquisition by the Mets emphasizes their focus on improving outfield defense. While Siri isn’t known for his bat, as his career 89 wRC+highlights below-average offensive production, he brings a mix of modest power and speed to the table. His power peaked in 2023 with 25 home runs, and he followed that with a solid contribution of 18 homers last season. On the bases, his quickness adds value, making him a threat in key situations.
However, Siri’s most significant impact comes from his elite defense, which can truly change games. His range, instincts, and arm strength make him one of the best defensive outfielders in the league, as reflected by advanced metrics like Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved. For a Mets team looking to improve in the field and potentially free up other outfielders for more versatile roles, Siri fits the bill perfectly.
The Mets are banking on Siri’s ability to save runs in the field while hoping his occasional pop and speed offset his struggles to reach base consistently. This move could be part of a broader strategy to pair elite defense with an offense built around their existing core.
José Siri’s acquisition is a sensible and cost-effective move for the Mets, especially as a replacement for Harrison Bader. Both players bring elite defense and speed to the table, providing value in center field, but Siri offers an upgrade in power potential while being a far more affordable option.
Projected to earn around $2.5 million in 2025, Siri represents a significant financial advantage over Bader, who likely would have commanded a higher salary on the open market. Additionally, Siri is under team control through 2027, giving the Mets a longer-term solution in the outfield without committing to a lengthy or expensive contract.
While Siri’s offensive limitations—highlighted by a low OBP and high strikeout rate—are similar to Bader’s, his ability to deliver more power (as seen in his 25 home runs in 2023 and 18 in 2024) makes him a more dynamic option at the plate. His speed and defense remain his calling cards, fitting perfectly into the Mets’ vision of a stronger defensive unit.
This move allows the Mets to reallocate resources toward other areas, perhaps adding more impactful bats or reinforcing their pitching staff, while ensuring they don’t sacrifice elite defensive capabilities in center field.
Siri will help the Mets buy some time
It sounds like José Siri would be a valuable addition for the Mets as a fourth or fifth outfielder. His elite defensive metrics 12 DRS and 16 OAAin 2024 underscore his ability to patrol center field at a Gold Glove level. That kind of defense is critical, especially as the Mets look to bridge the gap until top prospects Drew Gilbert and Jett Williams are MLB-ready. Siri’s steady offensive production, averaging around 2 WAR over the past three seasons, ensures he isn’t just a defensive specialist but also a contributor at the plate.
As for Orze, his strong Triple-A performance (2.92 ERA, 84 strikeouts in 61.2 innings) suggests he’s knocking on the door of a consistent MLB role. The Rays, known for maximizing the value of relievers, could definitely benefit from giving him a chance in their bullpen. His brief MLB debut last year might have been limited, but his Triple-A numbers show he has the tools to succeed at the next level.
This trade or acquisition idea seems mutually beneficial — the Mets bolster their depth with an elite defender in Siri, and the Rays add a promising, MLB-ready reliever in Orze.
